Ireland is bracing for widespread flooding as a “very high” risk looms across the east and southeast, officials warned February 2, 2026. The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) is tracking rainfall levels and swollen rivers, anticipating peak conditions Tuesday and Wednesday—a grim forecast after last week’s battering from Storm Chandra.
Flooding Threat Intensifies Across Eastern Ireland
Heavy rainfall is expected to overwhelm already saturated ground, raising concerns for homes and businesses.
- Status Yellow rain warnings are in effect for multiple counties.
- The Carlow, Kilkenny, and Slaney catchments are at peak levels.
- Government funding for flood-affected businesses is increasing from €20,000 to €100,000.
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin will visit impacted areas in the southeast.
What’s the current flood risk in Ireland? The risk of flooding is “very high” across eastern and southeastern regions due to persistent and heavy rainfall falling on already saturated ground and swollen rivers, according to the NECG.
A Status Yellow rain warning is in place for counties Cork, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wexford from 9 p.m. February 2, 2026, until 3 p.m. February 3, 2026. Another Status Yellow warning for Wicklow, Dublin, and Louth will begin at 6 a.m. February 3, 2026, as the rain moves northward along the east coast.
NECG chairperson Keith Leonard said the Slaney and Liffey catchments are under particularly close observation. “But really right across the east region, even up to Cavan and Monaghan, flooding is likely in all of those areas,” he stated on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland program.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is scheduled to visit the southeast February 3, 2026, to assess the damage inflicted by Storm Chandra last week. He is expected to meet with residents and business owners affected by the storm and subsequent flooding in Kilkenny, Carlow, and Wexford.
The government is responding with increased financial aid. An incorporeal Cabinet meeting is planned for February 3, 2026, to finalize plans to raise emergency funding limits for small businesses and groups from €20,000 to €100,000.
The existing Met Éireann weather warning system—Yellow, Orange, and Red—is also under scrutiny, with calls for a more localized alert level during severe storms and floods. This issue will be discussed at a meeting February 3, 2026, involving the Taoiseach, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and relevant ministers, and is likely to be raised during Martin’s visit.
Meteorologist Mark Bowe of Met Éireann described the week ahead as “unsettled,” with persistent rain expected through Friday or Saturday. A complex low-pressure system anchored to the southwest will bring prolonged rainfall, particularly to the south and east. While individual rainfall amounts may not be exceptionally high, the cumulative effect on saturated ground is expected to cause localized flooding.
“This week will also see one to two times the average amount of rainfall and at the moment, there is nowhere for the water to go due to saturation,” Bowe explained.
Emergency services and local authorities are on alert, and the public is urged to stay informed about warnings from Met Éireann and local authorities. Individuals needing urgent assistance should call 999 or 112.
❗️Be aware, stay updated & stay safe
⚠️ Warning’s times have been adjusted⚠️
ℹ️Check with your local authority on potential local flood risks & our web/app on further weather updates⬇️
1⃣ https://t.co/w5QtJ1UyEP
2⃣ https://t.co/sFyGizB5AS
3⃣ https://t.co/gjN9OKdtdO pic.twitter.com/dFxFojFztd— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 2, 2026
